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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What language was The Mabinogion originally written in?

2. Which of the following does Gwydion not use at some stage during the tale to create his illusions?

3. How long was Llasar Llaes Gyfnewid's wife pregnant for?

4. Which of the following does not come on Manawydan and Pryderi in revenge for what was done to Gwawl?

5. Which of the following places do the survivors not spend time?

Short Essay Questions

1. What conditions does Manawydan demand in exchange for the freedom of the mouse?

2. Why does Elen command the roads to be built throughout Britain?

3. What period in history were the later tales in "The Mabinogion" written down in?

4. What is given to Matholwch and the other Irishmen in compensation for the mutilated horses?

5. Why do the serving women decide to accuse Rhiannon of murdering her son?

6. What role does Macsen Wledig play in the reconquest of Rome?

7. Why does Teyrnon decide to take Gwri to the court of Pwyll?

8. How does Pwyll win Rhiannon back from Gwawl?

9. Why does Gwydion suggest obtaining pigs from Pryderi?

10. What three tokens of manhood does Aranrhod refuse to give Lleu Llaw Gyffes?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Examine the stories that follow the folk-tale motif of the Ill-treated Wife. For each, explain why the woman in question receives ill treatment, what she does about the treatment and how her story is resolved. Your answer should deal with the stories of the following women:

(a) Branwen (Branwen daughter of Llyr)

(b) Rhiannon (Pwyll Prince of Dyfed)

(c) Enid (Gereint son of Erbin)

Essay Topic 2

Animals often seem to play a magical role in some of the tales of The Mabinogion. Choose three animals from the list below and describe some examples of how they are used the tales. Your answer should also state how the animals seem to affect the events of the plot. Choose from:

(a) pigs or boars

(b) mice

(c) horses

(d) birds

(e) deer

Essay Topic 3

Hunting seems to be an important plot element in many of the tales in The Mabinogion. Eexplain the role that hunts and hunting play in the plots of the following tales:

(a) Pwyll Prince of Dyfed

(b) Culhwch and Olwen

(c) The Dream of Macsen Wledig

(see the answer keys)

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